Leeds yard housing plan is ‘universally opposed’

Concerned residents have gathered to object to plans that could see a three-storey development built that has attracted “universal opposition”.

More than a dozen people living near Barraclough Yard, off Butcher Lane, in Rothwell, came together at Rothwell Methodist Church to voice fears that the plans could worsen traffic, parking and leave emergency access to neighbouring cul de sacs limited.

The plans for six three-bed houses and a block of three flats submitted by DC Enterprises Leeds Ltd would also see a derelict Victorian cottage on the site demolished, which councillors claim should be retained.

Denise Kennaugh, who lives next door to the proposed development, said that while she appreciates the need for development at a site that has lain derelict for over a decade, there should be more done to revamp the cottage and to limit the size of the development so not to impact other properties.

The 67-year-old said: “I feel they’re cramming as much on there as they possibly can – I just think it’s totally inappropriate.”

At Saturday’s Rothwell Methodist Church meeting, which was also attended by Coun Stewart Golton (Lib Dem, Rothwell) and Coun David Nagle (Lab, Rothwell), residents voiced opposition to the plans on a site considered as being in a sensitive area.

Coun Golton said: “This site is very sensitive, being in a conservation area. Although development of the currently derelict site would be welcomed by local residents, it is the scale of the proposals that has caused universal opposition.”

He said that the developers, who are yet to contact residents, have made no attempt to “retain the significant historical building” on the site.